Alabama Football Recruiting: 2013 Recruits Who Will Make Immediate Impact

We all know who Alabama's top 2013 recruits are, but which recruits are in position to do the most damage in their freshman seasons?

You not only have to be a big-time player to make an impact in your first season of college ball, you also have to get the opportunity. Some recruits simply get a chance earlier because of a program's depth at their respective positions.

Others find ways to make a difference on the football field, regardless of who is ahead of them on the depth chart.

Here's a look at Alabama's current commits I see making an immediate impact in 2013.

Derrick Henry, RB

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T.J. Yeldon showed in 2012 what a true freshman can do in the backfield for Alabama.

Yeldon will undoubtedly be the starter in 2013, but 5-star running back Derrick Henry (ranked the No. 12 recruit in the class by 247Sports.com) figures to push Jalston Fowler, Dee Hart and Kenyan Drake for playing time in the early going.

All Henry did at Yulee High School was break the high school career rushing record. His combination of power, speed and lateral agility could be devastating for opponents in college.

Robert Foster, WR

Full Robert Foster Scouting Report

Amari Cooper was another freshman who stepped up big for the Crimson Tide last season, posting 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns, including 105 yards and two touchdowns against Notre Dame in the BCS National Championship Game.

Cooper will be Alabama's No. 1 receiver to start 2013, and all of the Crimson Tide's receivers are returning, but it's hard for me to imagine Robert Foster not making an impact in some way in his freshman season.

Foster, the No. 23 overall recruit in the 2013 class, according to 247Sports.com, possesses an exciting combination of size, speed, fluidity, length, body control and hands. If anything, he should be a dangerous vertical threat for Alabama early on.

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O.J. Howard, TE

It's been a while since Alabama had a tight end with this kind of athleticism.

O.J. Howard, the No. 19 recruit in the class, according to 247Sports.com, has the combination of height (6'6") and speed to be a dangerous player in college.

He still needs to add bulk and will likely start out in the H-back position at Alabama, but he has the length, hands and focus to be an asset for quarterback A.J. McCarron.

Anthony Averett, ATH

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Anthony Averett may not be the most talented of defensive players in Alabama's 2013 recruiting class, but I think he'll make more of an impact in the secondary than cornerback Maurice Smith because of his versatility.

Vinnie Sunseri and Geno Smith have been featured prominently as true freshmen by the Crimson Tide the past two seasons because of their versatility, rotating in nickel and dime packages.

I also really like Averett's recognition skills, instincts and football IQ. I think that will make him a popular player throughout Alabama's coaching ranks.